The HMX Taro Ball and HMX Lanikai switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the linear breed. They both feature P2 bottom housing, standard stem shape, 53 g bottom-out force, 2 mm pre-travel, however, they come with different top housing (PA12 vs PA66 Nylon), stem material (H2 vs POM), spring (22 mm KOS single-stage extended vs single-stage extended KOS), actuation (45 g vs 43 g), total travel (3.60 mm vs 3.70 mm). That said, they are only slightly similar. Let's check out this side-by-side specs rundawn with details, availability -- and even current prices -- to figure out which one fits you the best!
The HMX Taro Ball is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with PA12 top housing, P2 bottom housing, and H2 stem (standard shape). It features a 22 mm KOS single-stage extended spring. The 45g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 53g bottom-out occurs at 3.60mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by XLLAB. Manufactured by HMX. | The HMX Lanikai is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with PA66 Nylon top housing, P2 bottom housing, and POM stem (standard shape). It features a single-stage extended KOS spring. The 43g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 53g bottom-out occurs at 3.70mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by XLLAB. Manufactured by HMX. |
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| Name | HMX Taro Ball | HMX Lanikai |
|---|---|---|
| Type | linear | linear |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | PA12 | PA66 Nylon |
| Bottom housing | P2 | P2 |
| Stem material | H2 | POM |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | 22 mm KOS single-stage extended | single-stage extended KOS |
| Actuation | 45 g | 43 g |
| Bottom-out | 53 g | 53 g |
| Pre-travel | 2 mm | 2 mm |
| Total travel | 3.60 mm | 3.70 mm |
| Lube | Factory lubing? Yes! Mixed GPL105&GPL205 on leaf spring, stem feet, and bottom housing rails. | Factory lubing? Yes! Stem legs and stem sliders are covered with a very thin coat of 205g0. The spring and leaf are lubed with dry film. Everything else is dry. There is no lube in the bottom housing or anywhere near the stem pole. The chance that these get lube pooling issue is very small. |
| Designer | XLLAB | XLLAB |
| Manufacturer | HMX | HMX |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the HMX Taro Ball is not available at the moment, while the HMX Lanikai can be found in 5 stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering HMX Taro Ball and HMX Lanikai switches. When accepted, the prices indicated already include the discount - use the KBDNEWS coupon code at checkout to claim your saving!
Prices, discounts, and stock status are checked regularly; however, changes since the last update cannot be ruled out. Everything here is for informational purposes only. Check the product pages for the latest prices!
Comments on HMX Taro Ball switches | Comments on HMX Lanikai switches |
The HMX Taro Ball linear switch is XLLAB's newest design. It has an H2 modified UPE stem with a small spherical stem tip. Compared to switches that come with a big spherical stem tip, such as Canglan V3 or Sprite switches, the smaller spherical tip further solidifies the sound signature. The housing is made of PA12 and P2, the same as the Cheese and Sugar Rush switches. They work with the new H2 stem to create a thockier but still very loud bottom-out sound – Unikeys. | The HMX Lanikai switch is designed by XLLAB and manufactured by HMX using XLLAB's private customized molds. This means Lanikai is a one-of-a-kind switch. What makes Lanikai so special: Uses a custom private mold, producing a smooth but “grainy” texture when pressed. Subjectively, the scratchy feeling is similar to Kailh Calligraphy switches but with slightly bigger "grains". The scratchy feeling also resembles Cherry MX2A Black switches and Kailh BCP switches, but with some differences. The stem bottoms out on the pole, and the sound remains HMX’s signature concentrated and crisp clack. They remind you of the old classic HMX sound. Thanks to the excellent factory lubrication, the scratchy noise is not very noticeable. The travel is set at 3.7 mm, striking a better balance between typing feel and keycap compatibility – Unikeys. |
